Best Multifocal Lens Implant Results

Question: Why is it necessary to do both eyes if choosing multifocal lens implants?

Answer: Multifocallens implants and really any type of more complex lens implant design does seem to provide the best results only after them placed in both eyes. Within the brain you are accustomed to seeing with two eyes. by using a multifocal lens implant in only one eye it creates a less refined image quality with the visual cortex of the brain-just as your vision would be somewhat less precise if you needed bifocals and had only one bifocal lens place in your eyeglasses. Binocular vision helps the brain interpret images by sending more information. In most instances cataract surgery and lens implants in both eyes provide a better overall quality of vision and greater comfort overall as the two eyes are more closely balanced. Thus, even for those having routine simpler implants the visual result is better after both eyes have been done.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

Toric Multifocal Lens Implant Vision & Optical Complaints

Question: I had cataract surgery in both eyes in Dec of 2013. I paid quite a lot of money for the Bausch & Lomb Trulign Toric Multifocal Lens Implants. I only have far vision in my right eye and intermediate vision in my left eye. I still have glare from lights especially at night. I have a different type of glare in my right eye that appears to be coming from the lens itself.  I notice yellow beams of light with color in it when bright light enters at an angle from the outside of my eye. I can't find any literature pertaining to this post-op condition. I am being followed up by my cataract surgeon. This just doesn't seen normal.  Should I obtain a second opinion?  What if anything can I do about this.

Answer: You are describing a number of vision and optical complaints that require further investigation. It is impossible to know the cause or causes without a thorough clinical evaluation that includes the actual surgery status and lens implant position, the preoperative measurements, the current refractive status, corneal topography, aberrometry, slit lamp microscopic evaluation and perhaps even retinal evaluation. At this point in time it would be worthwhile to consider getting a second opinion with someone who is specifically a cataract and refractive surgeon as from what you describe the complaints may have originated from a combination of the cataract surgery as well as the lens implant calculations, placement and design itself.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask CataractSurgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

Simultaneous vs. Sequential Cataract Surgery

Question: I was told that it is best to only have cataract surgery done one eye at a time and wait about a month between the two eyes. Is this correct?

 Answer: In general, most cataractsurgeons do prefer to do the cataract surgery and lens implant one eye at a time with a wait of anywhere between 1-2 weeks and 4 weeks between eyes. This gives them some sense of the healing process and refractive outcome and may give the surgeon information from which to modify or adjust the second eye procedure. Also, in the unusual instance where there should be an adverse event such as an infection or other complication it tends to be more manageable if only one eye is treated at a time. That said, there are instances and situations where in the cataract surgeon’s clinical opinion it might be better to do both eyes simultaneously rather than sequentially. The best thing to do is to listen carefully to the recommendation of your cataract surgeon.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

Lens Implant Materials with Retinal Surgery Risk

Question:  I am considered legally blind in one eye and now need cataract surgery in my good eye. Years ago I had a vitreous detachment in that eye, and I have floaters. I read that silicone lenses should not be used in a person that may have to have vitreoretinal surgery down the way.  Because I had a vitreous detachment and have floaters, does that mean me?  My cataractsurgeon only uses a silicone lens which is the Bausch & Lomb L161AO.  I went to another doctor who uses the Alcon AcrySof SN60WF, but I read of a glistening from this lens.  Which lens would be better for me?

Answer: Certainly in any one eyed patient the cataract surgeon wants to be as cautious as necessary and will guide you to the best choice of lens implant. First, while you had a vitreous detachment you do not state whether the retina is in any way compromised with excessive thinning, holes or tears, or whether there are any tractional areas on the retina. This should be evaluated by your cataract surgeon and perhaps even having a consultation with a retina specialist might be in order. This information is the basis for assessing the risk of needing vitreoretinal surgeon and might lead to some preventative treatment options. Once ths is evaluated and discussed you can as the cataract surgeon and the retinal specialist to make a lens implant material recommendation for you.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask CataractSurgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

Monovision Lens Implant with Astigmatism

Question: Will a monovision lens implant for cataract surgery work if you have an astigmatism condition? If so, will an intermediate distance mono lens enhance the dominant eye long distance vision at all?

Answer: Depending on the amount of astigmatism and the expected amount you will have after cataract surgery, the astigmatism will most likely need to be corrected in order to have the best monovision cataract and lens surgery results. As it sounds like you are hoping to be either somewhat or completely independent of eyeglasses after your cataract surgery then using eyeglasses to correct the astigmatism is not a good option. There are really three options for you to consider-a) laser cataract surgery at which time the laser can possibly correct the astigmatism, b) an LRI or Limbal Relaxing Incision placed at the time or surgery or c) using a toric astigmatism correcting lens implants. Which is best really depends on your individual case and should be discussed with your cataract surgeon. Using an intermediate monovision lens implant correction will in likelihood give you sharper distance vision but will probably require you to use reading glasses for some finer close reading or near vision tasks.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

Motion Sickness after Cataract Surgery

Question: I had cataract surgery on my left eye last Thursday. Since then I have been experiencing nausea, like motion sickness/sea sickness because the balance between my two eyes has been altered. Is this common?  What medication helps?

Answer: If there is now a significant imbalance between the vision or prescription in the operated eye as compared to the unoperated eye it very well could cause the sensation of motion sickness or vertigo. Your brain is trying very hard to adapt to the big difference between eyes and the only way to get rid of this in the immediate short term is to cover the unoperated eye. In virtually all instances the problem goes away as soon as the second eye is operated. You should speak with your cataract surgeon and explain the situation and he or she can counsel you on the timing to operate the second eye. Often it is only about 1-2 weeks if all is healing well.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

Floating Ring Shadow after Cataract Surgery

Question: After my cataract surgery and lens implant surgery I am having a problem with seeing a ring like floating shadow which moves with the lens. What is this and will it go away? 

Answer: Without a clinical exam it is impossible to know for sure but it sounds like what you are describing could be some annoyance as you adapt to seeing the edge of the lens implant. Sometimes the lens implant edge can scatter light and cause a shadow or other types of visual disturbances. If this is accompanied by an actual decrease in your vision or a bending or distortion of your vision you should visit your cataract surgeon at once. Otherwise make sure that you keep your follow-up appointments and ask your cataract surgeon about it if you are still experiencing this shadow. In almost all instances patients become accustomed the new lens implant in a matter of weeks or months and then forget about the shadow.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

Astigmatism after Cataract Surgery

Question: I had cataract surgery on both eyes, six months apart. My vision was 20/20 after surgery. Afterward my eyes started blurring and I started seeing double. I went for a follow-up Monday and with my left eye I could not read eye chart. My eye doctor that did the surgery said it was because I had astigmatism in my left eye. He said he could prescribe glasses. I am not happy with this answer.

Answer: While it is not possible to know the exact reason that you have developed astigmatism after your cataract surgery, there are several possible reasons that could contribute. First, depending on the type and location of the incision used to remove the cataract and place the lens implant it is possible that during the natural healing process some astigmatism was induced. This could be even more likely if sutures or stitches were placed to close the incision. It is also possible that the lens implant itself has shifted slightly but this is much less common. Another somewhat common reason might be the formation of posterior capsular opacification whereby the capsule that was left in place to support the lens implant has become fibrosed and induced some optical aberration and cloudiness. All of these possibilities can be carefully investigated and each has a different way of being helped. If you are not happy with the answers your cataract surgeon has provided then seek a second opinion from another cataract surgeon in your area. 

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.